Abstract: In one aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device includes a non-magnetic, thermally conductive spreader substrate having a broken metal layer coupled to a thermally conductive, electrically non-conductive layer, wherein the broken metal layer is configured to exchange heat with at least one serpentine cooling tube.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system and method for generating information about an object is provided. The MR system comprises at least one MR detector configured to sense a plurality of signals within a shielded environment and a digitizing circuit configured for digitizing the analog signals to generate digital signals. The MR detector, digitizing circuit is located within a shielded environment. The system further comprises a first transmission element configured for transmitting the plurality of digital signals to a plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: A cryogenically cooled radiofrequency (RF) coil structure for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and method for cryogenically cooling RF coils are provided. The cryogenically cooled RF coil structure comprises a sealed structure constructed of non-conducting material and adapted for containing a cooling substance and at least one RF coil disposed integrally in contact with the sealed structure such that sealed structure and integrally disposed RF coil are disposed about an object to be imaged.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a cooling assembly for an electrical component. The assembly includes a non-magnetic, thermally conducting spreader substrate, and at least one serpentine cooling tube disposed on and in thermal contact with the thermally conducting spreader substrate so that said substrate is cooled when the one or more serpentine cooling tubes are operating.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system and method for generating information about an object is provided. The MR system comprises at least one MR detector configured to sense a plurality of electromagnetic signals and a modulator coupled to the MR detector and configured to modulate optical signals with the electromagnetic signals to generate corresponding modulated optical signals. The MR system further comprises a resonant matching circuit configured for matching an impedance of the MR detector to an impedance of the modulator to achieve at least one of a voltage gain or a noise performance. An optical conduit coupled to the modulator is configured to transmit the modulated optical signals from within a shielded environment to outside the shielded environment. A signal detector coupled to the optical conduit is configured to convert the modulated optical signals to electrical signals.

Abstract: A control system comprising a driver circuit for magnetic systems is provided. The driver circuit is coupled to a magnetic system and is configured for isolating control signals from electromagnetic interference. The control signals are configured for controlling a plurality of switching elements in the magnetic system. The driver circuit and the magnetic system are located in shielded environment.

Abstract: A matrix coil for generating a variable magnetic field is provided, including a plurality of loops arranged in a series so as to have a substantially common axis and segmented into at least one arc-shaped segment, a variable current source for each of the arc-shaped segments, and a controller. The controller is configured to selectively vary an amount of current provided to each of the arc-shaped segments by the variable current sources so as to achieve a variable base field, one or more variable gradient fields, and one or more variable second order shim fields.

Abstract: A transmit/receive switch for a system operating over a range of frequencies is provided. The switch comprises a pair of quadrature hybrid circuits and a switching means for coupling the pair of circuits. When the switch is operating in a transmit mode, the hybrid circuits provide a low loss path between a transmitter. When the switch is operating in a receive mode, the hybrid circuits provide a high isolation from the RF coil to a pre-amplifier.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided comprising a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a cylindrical patient bore tube of the MRI system and a plurality of capacitive elements for electrically interconnecting the plurality of conductors at respective ends of the conductors. The conductors have a width selected for the RF coil assembly to resonate at substantially high frequencies. A very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided that comprises a RF coil assembly adapted to resonate at substantially high frequencies, a RF coil shield assembly and a plurality of RF drive power cables.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for imaging a subject volume using a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system operable at substantially high frequencies includes a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a patient bore of the MRI system, a plurality of capacitive elements disposed between and connecting respective ends of the conductors, the plurality of conductors and plurality of capacitive elements forming a high band pass birdcage configuration, and a plurality of dynamic disabling switches, each dynamic disabling switch electrically coupled in parallel with a respective capacitive element to form a parallel resonant circuit.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a patient bore tube of the MRI system. Each of the conductors is configured for the RF coil assembly to resonate at substantially high frequencies. Further, the RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of capacitive elements disposed between and connecting respective ends of the conductors and further disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the patient bore tube. The capacitive elements are for electrically interconnecting the plurality of conductors at the respective ends of the conductors.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a patient bore tube of the MRI system. Each of the conductors is configured for the RF coil assembly to resonate at substantially high frequencies. Further, the RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of capacitive elements disposed between and connecting respective ends of the conductors and further disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the patient bore tube. The capacitive elements are for electrically interconnecting the plurality of conductors at the respective ends of the conductors.

Abstract: A self-localizing receive coil system for use with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system comprises at least one surface coil assembly for placement adjacent to a region of interest to be imaged and a plurality of tracking devices attached to the surface coil assembly for use in indicating location and orientation of the surface coil assembly during imaging.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided comprising a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a cylindrical patient bore tube of the MRI system and a plurality of capacitive elements for electrically interconnecting the plurality of conductors at respective ends of the conductors. The conductors have a width selected for the RF coil assembly to resonate at substantially high frequencies. A very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided that comprises a RF coil assembly adapted to resonate at substantially high frequencies, a RF coil shield assembly and a plurality of RF drive power cables.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and therapy of a region of interest proximal to a cavity, the probe having a substantially rigid probe shell for insertion into the cavity. The probe shell is adapted to incorporate at least one device for imaging the region of interest. A guide track is incorporated in the probe shell and is adapted to guide at least one biopsy or therapy device to the region of interest during imaging. Intracavity regions include cervical, rectal, and other regions associated with internal cavities of a patient.

Abstract: A quadrature coil suitable for use with an open frame MRI system provides crossing pairs of arrays of parallel conductor elements, respectively. Compact configuration is provided through use of an isolating circuit for incorporating parasitic capacitances at the resonance frequency of the coil into a blocking parallel resonance. Termination of the parallel conductor elements may be accomplished by equal impedance node connectors formed from branching pairs of conductors or a triangular least resistance connection form. RF shields are provided by pairs of conductive sheets containing eddy current reducing slots aligned with the parallel conductors elements of the coil.

Abstract: An MRI system acquires NMR image data to produce real time anatomic images as an ablation device is guided into contact with target tissues in a patient to be thermally treated. The ablation device includes a resistive element at its operating end which receives alternating current from an ablation control system. The resistive element produces therapeutic heat that treats the target tissues.

Abstract: An MRI system includes a magnet which produces the main polarizing magnetic field. Variations in strength of this field are corrected by a temperature compensation system that calculates a compensating flux needed to maintain the field at constant strength. The compensating flux is calculated from changes in sensed magnet temperature and a magnet temperature coefficient. One or more correction coils are wound around the magnet and driven with the current necessary to produce the compensating flux.